Burned and malnourished Millville dog being held at CCSPCA, will be treated soon

MILLVILLE — A mix-breed dog was found abused and neglected in a home on the 600 block of Broad Street this week, suffering from severe malnutrition and burns, officials said.

Bev Greco, executive director of the Cumberland County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), said that the 3-year-old mixed-breed named Tonka was taken to the shelter after being contacted by an anonymous caller.

Greco said authorities went to the house and someone who did not own the house opened the door.

There, they found the neglected and abused animal confined in a basement.

“He was found severely emaciated with circular wounds on his back and head,” Greco said.

The wounds were recently confirmed as a result of thermal or chemical burns, however, an official cause of the burns has not been determined.

She also said the dog that normally should weigh around 40 pounds, was only 16 1/2 pounds.

“There were obvious signs that the dog was starved as a puppy,” Greco said, speaking about the canine’s bone development.

No charges have been filed yet on the owner, who has not yet been identified.

Greco said that Tonka will most likely go to either foster care or a rescue center, as he is in need of veterinary care right now.

She said the dog will be available for adoption within the next 4 to 6 weeks.

Despite signs of abuse and neglect, Greco said the dog is a “very sweet-natured dog and good with the being handled by the staff.”